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The VinylSUM network (www.vinylsum.org.uk ), originally funded by the UK EPSRC under the ‘Sustainable Use of Materials’ initiative, was set up in April 2004 to help address some of the sustainability challenges facing PVC. From April 2007 the network continues on the basis of funding from Core and Associate members.
The objectives of the network continue to be: -
1.) To facilitate a forum for a stakeholder-wide discussion of the research required to improve the sustainable use of PVC.
2.) To identify and propose suitable research proposals and link with appropriate funding opportunities.
3.) To develop and promote sustainability issues on a life cycle basis based on the most relevant and current data available, and set up a modus operandi in which all stake-holders work together to achieve the objectives for sustainable use (which can then be applied to other polymers).
4.) To become a source of impartial information to all stakeholders.
The network is based at the PVC Innovation Centre at Loughborough University in the UK (www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/iptme/PVCIC)
VinylSUM Associate Membership
Associate membership of the VinylSUM Research Network is available to all stakeholders who have an interest in improving the sustainability of PVC.
Associate members will be kept up to date on sustainability issues, discussions and developments by newsletter (two per year) which would also include a general overview on results from the current sustainability improvement Work Programmes covering polymerisation, nanocomposite studies and life-cycle methodology.
In addition Associate members can contribute, via the Network Co-ordinator, comments on any relevant topic, request advice and/or submit proposals for work programmes into VinylSUM's research activities.
Associate members will also be made aware of potential new research proposals and/or funding possibilities covering PVC sustainability improvement areas and be given the opportunity to participate from the start.
Associate Membership of VinylSUM will be charged at GBP 1000 per annum on an individual organisation basis and may be dependent on a confidentiality agreement.
To register your interest contact Stuart Patrick, the VinylSUM Research Network Co-ordinator S.G.Patrick@lboro.ac.uk
Potential New Research Project for Associate Members – Smoke Reduction
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The VinylSUM Network is currently carrying out a literature study regarding the state of the art concerning the potential for smoke density and acid reduction from PVC in fire situations.
Depending on the results of this study, the decision may be made to work up new research projects in this area.
Expressions of interest in contributing appropriate literature to this study and/or participating in such a project should be made to Stuart Patrick at S.G.Patrick@lboro.ac.uk
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Current Associate members:
The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) www.ecvm.org
ECVM represents the European PVC resin producing companies and is a division of Plastics Europe, the Association of Plastic Manufacturers in Europe. Its membership includes 12 leading European PVC resin producers which together account for 90 % of EU 27 (99 % of EU 15). Activities focus on Production Standards and Responsible Care, Commitment to Sustainability and Effective Communication, Promotion and Education.
SolVin www.solvinpvc.com
SolVin is the biggest integrated player from chlorine via EDC, VCM to PVC and via VDC to PVDC in Europe having operations in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Italy with an annual capacity of 1.3 million tonnes of PVC and 35 kt of PVDC. In Ferrare, Italy, SolVin founded together with Vulcaflex, Adriaplast and Technometal a joint venture for the recycling of PVC wastes utilising the Vinyloop-process developed by Solvay.
Braskem www.braskem.com
Braskem is a world class Brazilian petrochemical company created in 2002 and is the leading producer of thermoplastic resins in Latin America. PVC resin capacity is in the region of 0.5 million tonnes. The Braskem Technology and Innovation Centre partners with universities, research centres and clients to develop new products and applications.
Teknor Apex www.teknorapex.com
Teknor Apex Company is a privately-held company founded in 1924 and headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island USA. It is a diversified material science company using complementary technologies to serve common markets. The Vinyl division produces flexible and specialty rigid PVC compounds in the U.S., Singapore, and China.
Synthomer www.synthomer.com
The Synthomer group of companies forms part of Yule Catto & Co plc. They are a major world-class supplier of synthetic polymers to industries ranging from paints and adhesives to textiles, speciality papers and plastics. The product range covers polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, acrylic polymers, styrene butadiene latex (SBR and Nitrile) and liquid polybutadienes created in 10 manufacturing centres. |
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